Two Modern Holidays

 Q: Why is there a Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day) when we already have a Yom Ha-Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day)?

 

A: In 1948 the country of Israel was declared.  For almost two decades the city of Jerusalem remained in Jordanian hands, not part of the Jewish state.

On Iyar 28, May 1967 the Israelis achieved an incredible victory against massive odds weighed against them and regained the long lost privilege to pray at the Western Wall in Jerusalem.  Until then, Jews were stopped by the Arab authorities and thugs from approaching the sacred outer wall of the Temple in the Old City of Jerusalem.  Two thousand years passed since Jews last were able to come to this holy site at will. 

It is said that God is most proximate when praying at this singular place.

 

Prayers for the Ill

 Q: Why do we use the mother’s Hebrew name when saying a prayer for someone ill?

 

A: There are levels of answers to this question.  First, it is assumed that the mother has the greatest concern for the welfare of her children.  Like mother Rachel, she will plead before God for her children.

Also, we have no doubt about the identity of the mother since she gave birth to her offspring and her identity is therefore more assured than that of the father.  

In addition, a mother’s anger is usually temporary.  If the Holy One, blessed be He, is afflicted the ill patient, God’s anger will soon disappear like that of the mother.